Public Media Institute
Public Media Institute shows strong financial growth and zero executive compensation in its latest filing.
EIN: 202448077 · Chicago, IL · NTEE: A20 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $801K |
| Total Expenses | $1.2M |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| Net Assets | $2.4M |
| Transparency Score | 90/100 |
Is Public Media Institute Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Public Media Institute directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Public Media Institute
Public Media Institute (EIN: 202448077) is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago, IL, classified under NTEE code A20. The organization reported total revenue of $801K and total assets of $1.6M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Public Media Institute's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Public Media Institute is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 6 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 41.2%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $3.0M |
| Total Expenses | $1.2M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$1.8M |
| Total Assets | $2.6M |
| Total Liabilities | $140K |
| Net Assets | $2.4M |
| Operating Margin | 59.4% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 5.4% |
| Months of Reserves | 25.6 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Public Media Institute reported a surplus of $1.8M with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 25.6 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 5.4% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Public Media Institute's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 41.2%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +238.7% | +2.0% | +386.9% |
| 2022 | -19.9% | -14.3% | -31.1% |
| 2021 | -33.5% | +84.7% | -24.4% |
| 2020 | +593.0% | +334.2% | +674.6% |
| 2019 | +36.8% | +10.3% | +134.3% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1200 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2020 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Public Media Institute with a Mission Score of 90 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 10%
- programs: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Public Media Institute allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $1.8M, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 5.4%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Public Media Institute consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filing periods, indicating that no salaries are paid to its officers. This is a highly positive sign for transparency and ensures that all funds are directed towards the organization's mission and operational costs.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Public Media Institute's IRS 990 filings:
- Inconsistent revenue-to-expense ratio in some prior years (e.g., 202112 and 202212 expenses exceeded revenue).
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Public Media Institute:
- Significant revenue growth, especially in the latest filing ($2,989,011 in 202312).
- Consistent 0% officer compensation across all filing periods, indicating high transparency and mission focus.
- Substantial asset growth over time, from $19,201 in 201412 to $2,589,302 in 202312.
- Healthy balance sheet with low liabilities relative to assets.
- Strong financial performance in the most recent period, with revenue significantly exceeding expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Public Media Institute
Is Public Media Institute a legitimate charity?
Public Media Institute (EIN: 202448077) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in Illinois. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 90/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $801K. 1 red flag identified. 5 strengths noted. Financial health grade: A.
How does Public Media Institute spend its money?
Public Media Institute directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Public Media Institute tax-deductible?
Public Media Institute is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 202448077). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Public Media Institute's spending goes to programs?
Public Media Institute directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Public Media Institute compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 90/100 (Excellent), Public Media Institute is above average for NTEE category A20 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Public Media Institute located?
Public Media Institute is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and files with the IRS under EIN 202448077. It is classified under NTEE code A20.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Public Media Institute have?
Public Media Institute has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $801K in total revenue.
Is Public Media Institute a good charity?
Based on the provided financial data, Public Media Institute appears to be a good charity. It demonstrates strong financial growth, particularly in its latest filing, and consistently reports 0% officer compensation, indicating a high commitment to its mission and efficient use of funds.
How has Public Media Institute's financial health changed over time?
Public Media Institute has shown significant financial growth. Its revenue has increased dramatically from $27,232 in 201412 to $2,989,011 in 202312, and assets have grown from $19,201 to $2,589,302 in the same period. While there were periods where expenses exceeded revenue (e.g., 202112, 202212), the overall trend is one of substantial expansion and improved financial stability.
What is the organization's approach to executive compensation?
The organization reports 0% officer compensation across all 13 available filings, indicating a policy of not paying salaries to its officers. This is a strong positive for transparency and ensures resources are allocated directly to programs and operations.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Public Media Institute showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Public Media Institute's revenue has grown by 6205.3%, moving from $47K to $3.0M. Total assets increased by 18687.6% over the same period, from $14K to $2.6M. Total functional expenses rose by 2472%, from $47K to $1.2M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Public Media Institute reported a surplus of $1.8M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $140K in liabilities against $2.6M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 5.4%), resulting in net assets of $2.4M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $3.0M | $1.2M | $2.6M | $140K | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $882K | $1.2M | $532K | $158K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $1.1M | $1.4M | $772K | $86K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $1.7M | $752K | $1.0M | $50K | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $239K | $173K | $132K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $175K | $157K | $56K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $147K | $141K | $38K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $147K | $149K | $11K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $158K | $164K | $13K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $27K | $28K | $19K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $32K | $35K | $20K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $43K | $34K | $23K | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $47K | $47K | $14K | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $3.0M, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $2.6M (revenue +238.7% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $882K, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $532K (revenue -19.9% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $1.4M, and assets of $772K (revenue -33.5% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $1.7M, expenses of $752K, and assets of $1.0M (revenue +593.0% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $239K, expenses of $173K, and assets of $132K (revenue +36.8% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $175K, expenses of $157K, and assets of $56K (revenue +19.2% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $147K, expenses of $141K, and assets of $38K (revenue +0.0% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $147K, expenses of $149K, and assets of $11K (revenue -7.4% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $158K, expenses of $164K, and assets of $13K (revenue +481.3% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $27K, expenses of $28K, and assets of $19K (revenue -15.8% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $32K, expenses of $35K, and assets of $20K (revenue -24.4% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $43K, expenses of $34K, and assets of $23K (revenue -9.8% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $47K, expenses of $47K, and assets of $14K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Public Media Institute:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Public Media Institute is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.